Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens

In a Nutshell:
* Only for use on Canon EOS digital SLR cameras with APS-C format sensors
* Zoom range: 18-55mm, giving equivalent focal length of 28.8-88mm (1.6x crop factor)
* Image stabilizer (IS) -- up to four stops of "camera shake" correction
* Aspherical lens element with Super Spectra coating
* Lens Construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
* Closest focusing distance: 9.8" or 25cm
* Filter size: 58mm
* Lens Size: 2.7" (68.5mm) in diameter, 3.33" (84.5mm) in length
* Lens Weight: 7.1 oz (200g)
* Price: $109 to $130

This small, lightweight lens that usually comes bundled with one of Canon's entry-level digital SLR cameras constantly surprises its owners with much better-than-expected image quality and all-round optical performance.

It's a replacement for the original, non-IS 18-55 zoom lens that was introduced with the ground-breaking EOS Digital Rebel (EOS 300D) in 2003 and no one disputes that the current, image-stabilized model is a marked improvement over its predecessor.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm (current and previous versions) is compatible with:

* EOS Digital Rebel (EOS 300D)
* EOS Rebel XT (EOS 350D)
* EOS Rebel XTi (EOS 400D)
* EOS Rebel XSi (EOS 450D)
* EOS Rebel XS (EOS 1000D)
* EOS Rebel T1i (EOS 500D)
* EOS Rebel T2i (EOS 550D)
* EOS Rebel T3i (EOS 600D)
* EOS 20D
* EOS 30D
* EOS 40D
* EOS 50D
* EOS 60D
* EOS 7D

When fitted to any of the above bodies, the equivalent focal length of the lens is 28.8-88mm, as a result of the 1.6x crop factor caused by the smaller APS-C format sensor.

The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 will not fit on any EOS 35mm film bodies, or EOS digital cameras with full-frame sensors (1Ds and 5D range) or APS-H sensors (1D range).

User Review Roundup for Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

Pros:
* Sharp, contrasty images
* Fast, accurate autofocus
* Value for money
* Excellent IS
* Versatile

Cons:
* Front element rotates while focusing
* Flimsy build, plastic mount
* No manual focus ring
* No USM

User Ratings Roundup:

Star Rating (max 5): 4
Points Rating (max 10): 8.2, recommended by 83% of reviewers

What Users Are Saying:

"The lens is lightweight, easy to operate and takes incredibly sharp pictures."

"The image quality is awesome for the money. Very sharp, and the IS works so so well."

"The zoom range is very useful, and the lens is very capable on the wide end.".

"The lens is a bit soft wide open on the telephoto end.".

"A decent kit lens worth considering for your first DSLR."

"This lens feels cheap and basic, and noticeably lower quality compared to any camera body that it comes with."

Manufacturer's Feature List for the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS:

* Affordable, multi-purpose zoom
* Approx. 29-88mm equivalent focal length
* 4-stop Image Stabilizer
* Aspherical element
* Super Spectra coating reduces flare and ghosting
* Circular aperture for good bokeh
* Fast auto focus with 25cm close focusing distance

Recommended Uses:

* Portrait photography at long-end (88mm equivalent)
* Travel and general purpose walkaround lens (compact and lightweight)
* Candid photography, street scenes, reportage (IS means can hand hold in low light)
* Landscapes, architecture, group shots at wide end.

See also Canon EF Lenses for general information about Canon's range of EF-mount lenses that will fit all Canon EOS bodies, both film and digital.

Now that you've read about the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens, please return to Canon Lens Reports for more articles.